O God, we come before you, knowing that we are welcome in your house. A warm feeling stirs within us as we direct our footsteps here, knowing that our presence is wanted and anticipated, and that you have good things in store for your children. Help us to learn from you and to be like you in the welcome we extend to others; for all people are your children, and whether they join us here or we meet them in the places common to all, your welcome must show our loving acceptance. Thank you for welcoming us as we should welcome others – unconditionally. Thank you for your many gifts to us – may we use these gifts of money and the gifts we bring of ourselves, our time, our talents, our kindness and caring – may these all be used to show your welcome to all.
Amen.
In a moment of quiet we remember before God those times when we have not been welcoming to all; those times when we have said or done the wrong thing – or failed to speak out when we should have done.
Silence
Thank you God for welcoming us no matter what we have done. Thank you for forgiving us time and time again. May we show that welcome and that forgiveness to others.
Amen.
Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash
